If you're a student of human behavior or enjoy studying the human condition, you might be considering a master's in psychology. Of course, before beginning a degree program, you want to look at what career opportunities will be available to you after graduation. If you want to spend your days working as a private practitioner and counseling clients, you will need to make sure that a master's program in psychology meets the criteria for licensure in your geographical location. However, the careers available for people with master's degrees in psychology extend far beyond the counseling office today.
Choosing a Degree Program
The career path followed by individuals with a master's in psychology is determined by the type of degree program they choose.
Clinical Psychology
Most individuals who go the route of seeing clients in a counseling setting get a degree in clinical psychology. While this is a terminal degree program that does not require further education, not all states allow individuals with a master's degree to practice clinical psychology. If this is your goal, research the laws governing your geographical area to determine what education and certifications you will need.
Experimental Psychology
If you have an interest in the social sciences but prefer working with data rather than with human beings, a degree in experimental psychology could be the perfect answer. A master's degree in experimental psychology is research based and prepares individuals for work in labs or in market research.
Applied Psychology
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities are most abundant for graduates with degrees in applied psychology. Jobs for industrial-organizational psychologists is expected to increase by 53 percent between 2012 and 2022.
Specific Jobs
Individuals with a master's in psychology qualify for employment at a variety of different jobs. Many graduates obtain positions with government organizations or facilities. These positions include
- Vocational rehabilitation counselor
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor
- Employment counselor
- Human resources analyst
- Parole officer
- Social services manager
Other jobs for those with a master's degree in psychology include entry-level positions in mental health care. These can be great jobs for those who want to take time to determine whether pursuing a doctorate in the field of psychology is right for them:
- Group home manager
- Family services worker
- Child protection worker
- Psychiatric tech
- Recreational therapist
The field of psychology can inform other aspects of life, and many people with master's degrees in this field find fulfilling work in seemingly unrelated jobs. These include
- Market researcher
- Advertising executive
- Corporate trainer
- Job coach
- Human resources manager
- Sales representative
- Sales manager
An education in psychology can benefit individuals with a wide variety of career goals. With the current projected increase in related jobs, now is the ideal time to pursue a master's degree in this field of study.